Regulations For ATV’s, UTV”s, Motorcycles Clarified in Idaho

The growing popularity of a new generation of four-wheel-drive off-highway vehicle, known as utility type vehicle – or UTV – has raised questions and concerns about off-highway vehicle use on public lands in Idaho.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Fish and Game recognize the growing popularity of motorized recreation and desire by motorized vehicle users for appropriate recreational opportunities.

Both agencies want to clarify where and when OHV use is legal and appropriate, and to inform OHV users of a new state law which has prompted some upcoming changes in OHV management.

A variety of opportunities are available on public land for OHV use, including the larger UTVs. OHV owners should consult the appropriate land management agency for travel restrictions in the area they plan to ride. Each agency has its own guidelines or regulations for travel.

Some trails on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are open to two wheeled motorized travel, and some limit vehicles to a maximum width of 50 inches. All vehicles wider than 50 inches are limited to roads open to motorized travel and subject to licensing requirements.

In the past, many UTV owners thought they could register their vehicle with an OHV sticker and legally operate on the road. It was confusing for just about everybody, but a new law passed during the 2008 legislative session will remedy this situation.

Beginning January 1, 2009, a restricted use license plate will be available to all OHVs, including UTVs. This new plate, in combination with the OHV registration sticker, will allow all OHVs to operate on Forest Service roads unless the land manager specifically prohibits such use.

On Bureau of Land Management lands some motorized routes and areas, such as the St. Anthony sand dunes, are open to UTVs with a current OHV registration sticker. Other motorized routes are limited to 48 inches in width. Roads on BLM lands are similar to Forest Service roads and require a license plate.

After January 1, 2009, the new restricted-use license plate will allow use on roads unless specifically prohibited.

It is the operator’s responsibility to know before they go. On federal land it is important for all OHV users to check with their local land managers to identify the legal areas of operation. In most areas maps are available to assist in the identification of legal routes.

The new restricted-use license plate will also allow OHVs legal access to city and county roads. These local jurisdictions may prohibit certain roads from OHV use after a public meeting and an ordinance passed. The new law does not allow OHVs to operate on any state or federal highways.

In addition to vehicle type trail designations, some roads and trails may also be limited by seasonal restrictions. For example, some land managers may close roads or trails to any motorized travel during various times of the year to control big game vulnerability during the hunting season, to benefit wintering wildlife or to protect the trail surface during wet conditions. Most seasonal closures can be identified on the land managers travel map.

Idaho Fish and Game generally limits the use of OHVs on its wildlife management areas to established open roads – exceptions are Andrus and Craig Mountain WMAs – and also restrict the use of OHVs as an aid to hunting in certain game management units.

Parks and Recreation and Fish and Game suggest OHV recreationists not keep their OHVs parked in their driveways, but make sure they know the rules for enjoying them legally. Check with the appropriate land management agencies; acquire travel maps geared for off-road recreation, and pay attention to signage on public lands. Or contact the nearest Idaho Parks and Recreation office for information on OHV recreation in Idaho.

Permission is always necessary from a land owner for travel on private property.

Frequently Asked Questions about Idaho’s New OHV Law

Q. I am an Idaho resident and heard that license plates are going to be required on my off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV. Is this true?
A. Yes. Beginning on January 1, 2009, owners of off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs will be required to buy a restricted use plate for $3 if they will be operating those machines on public land or on public roads. They are not allowed on state and federal highways or federal interstates. The plate is valid for seven years. Exemptions exist for motorcycles with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.

Q. How big is the restricted use plate?
A. The plate will be the same size and material as the current plate used on motorcycles. The plate will be white with black lettering and must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Q. What happened to the $10 OHV sticker?
A. The OHV sticker will now be smaller and must be affixed to the restricted use plate on the rear of the vehicle. The sticker will be valid for one year.

Q. Do I need both a “restricted use” plate and an off-highway vehicle sticker?
A. Yes. Exemptions include motorcycles with a displacement of 50cc or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.

Q. Where can I ride with my restricted use plate and OHV sticker?
A. All state or federal roads, excluding state and federal highways and interstates, will be open to off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs with a restricted use plate and current year OHV sticker unless a local ordinance is adopted to close a road to such use or otherwise determined closed by a federal land manager. Designated OHV riding areas, areas open to cross-country motorized travel and designated motorized trail systems on public land will require both the restricted use plate and the OHV sticker.

Q. I converted my off-highway motorcycle to a regular motorcycle and already have a red, white and blue motorcycle plate on it from ITD. Does this mean I now need two plates on my bike?
A. No. Only one plate is necessary. To ride on trails, you will still need the $10 OHV sticker and must affix it to your existing motorcycle license plate. This is in addition to the current motorcycle license plate registration sticker provided by Idaho Transportation Department with the motorcycle plate.

Q. How does this new law affect non-residents?
A. Nothing was changed to the non-resident registration requirements. Non-residents are not required to register in Idaho unless they have operated within the state for more than 30 days.

Q. Does this law allow children to ride on roads?
A. No. When traveling on roads, operators of an off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV must have a valid driver’s license, carry liability insurance and have a vehicle equipped with the required equipment to do so.

Q. What required equipment must I have on my off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV to travel on a road?
A. The required equipment is still being determined. Current code requires a number of items including a mirror, a working brake light, and a horn audible at 200 feet.

Q. Where do I get plates and stickers in 2009?
A. On January 1, 2009, you must buy the restricted use plate and OHV sticker from the Idaho Transportation Department. Specifically your county assessor’s automobile licensing office.

Q. What do I need to take with me to obtain both plates and stickers?
A. You will need to have your vehicle identification number with you if it is currently titled in Idaho. If your vehicle isn’t titled in Idaho, you will need to contact your county assessor’s automobile licensing office and begin the titling process with ITD.

Q. Where do I go to renew my OHV sticker in 2010?
A. All Idaho Parks and Recreation registration vendors, including county assessor automobile licensing offices, OHV dealers and other businesses that sell OHV registration stickers, will be able to issue the OHV renewal stickers.

For additional information please call your county assessor’s automobile licensing office or the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in Boise at 208-334-4199, in Coeur d’Alene at 208-769-1511, and in Idaho Falls at 208-525-7121.

For additional information contact Troy Elmore of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at 208-514-2411 or Mark Gamblin of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-232-4703.

Does a Child of 10 yrs need to be certified to ride a ATV on off road roads.

Matthew Cornett

I have an ATV legal and they took away my motorbike license plate. I was pulled over last night because i was on a state highway. even though i know it is being in a small town why does the state not have any signs for 4 miles stating that it is a state hwy?

Jessica

So, my husband and I too our five children ages from 8 to 16 (none of which have a drivers license) in to the South Hills for camping and riding. We camped at the FS Flats where there is a big open space so the kids could ride while we were at camp.

We had a visit from one of the Forest Service Officers telling us that the kids were not allowed to ride in the field or on the road, only on the trails. I asked him how do we get the kid’s 4 wheelers and bikes to the trails if they are not allowed on the road? He did not have an answer for me…can anyone tell me where we can ride as a family?

We have followed all the rules and done everything from licensing, stickers, insurance…etc. We really feel like the gov. is trying to take away yet another thing that family’s can enjoy!!!!

Brian

So I purchased a bike last week for my daughter. I took the new title and my hard earned cash to the MV county assessor folks at the courthouse to pay for the cool license plate, sticker, and best of all sales tax on a bike that to my knowledge had been sold and taxed twice before I got it. Anyways, two months ago I had to purchase plates and a sticker for both of my other dirt bikes to renew them; no option was given not to, it was required. This time (4/30/09) I was informed the rules had recently changed an only a sticker is required UNLESS you went on certain maintained roads. The employees had a photocopied document that someone slapped together and had to pass it around to each other to attempt to answer my question – Do I need a plate or not??? I ended up not getting a plate, because according to their new rules document one is not required if you are out riding in the desert somewhere.

The facts:
The closest official document I can find explaining this update thus far is located at http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/assets/content/docs/motorbikeregs.pdf – which does indicate you don’t need a plate for off road use, only a sticker. It doesn’t seem to have a date on it, or even a form number, and it looks like just a pamphlet. What is more interesting is that the statutes for recreational activities (http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/67071KTOC.html) still indicates that a sticker must be affixed to a plate (http://www3.state.id.us/cgi-bin/newidst?sctid=670710022.K) for off road bikes/ATVs that are “used off public highways.” The wording is a bit tricky, which I’m sure is what contributed to many of the uncertainties. In my eyes I’m seeing the statute saying “plate required” and Parks & Rec along with the DMV saying “plate not required if not on an unmanaged highway or completely off road”.

I’m no attorney, and I’ve certainly spent more time researching this than I ever wanted to. I paid my fees, got two plates (which I refuse to mount and endanger anyone with), got 3 stickers, and I have done more than my due diligence to decipher this absurd set of rules. I give. Time to go ride :)

Annie Farrens

Okay, so after reading all the regs, can anyone tell me where I am supposed to put a license plate on a cr250??? The sticker I can live with, but a license plate on a dirtbike?!? Come on!!!! The lawmakers are more than bordering on the REDICULOUS here!!!!

Coleman Moore

So Boise can basically have a UTV on city streets. Does anyone know about Bonneville county/Idaho Falls areas for on-road use ofan UTV .

Mark Mason

This is just another attemp for government to contol one more thing. No one who wrote this rule, has a clue about, bikes or ATVs. I would not have cared if they doubled the price of the off road sticker, the Parks and Recreation guys do a very good job of maintaining the trails and signs ( thank you).
To require a sharp metal license plate and bracket to be on the rear fender of a dirt bike is the work of IDIOTS! There are racing rules that specificly require that sharp and pointy stuff be left off you bike so you dont hurt your self or others in a crash. The Three dollar fee ( for the plate) is just the camels nose in the tent. We all know as soon as we get the list of names, that fee will go way up, probably right up there with car registrations. The minute some goverment organization runs low on cash, they WILL TAX US WITH OUT REPRESENTATION again. That is one thing I feel I can count on in the future.
I have seen ONE lawman on the trails in the last two years, and they ( good Men) were doing a rescue.
My Family does all the right things ( Obey signs, pick up other peoples trash, run with spark arrestors/mufflers, run slow around hikers, fisherman, and horses, treading lightly, NOT TEARING UP THE ENVIRONMENT) for all the right reasons,not because some one makes us do it.

I hope you catch some of these trouble makers, but I can tell you the plates will not help. It is Just SIMPLY ONE MORE TAXATION.

I still cant believe this got rammed down our throats with no comment from the intelligent riding public.

Be responsible out there
Mark Mason

Danny Boy McCoy

Just wanted to give you all an update on UTV use on Boise public roads. I received an email from the Boise City Council that in a vote taken in a recent Council meeting banning ATV’s from public roadways it did not include UTV’s. UTV’s equipped with high pressure tires (20lbs), horn, tail/brake lights, properly registered and insured are legal on public roads, but are restricted on highways, ie: I-84 etc. It was suggested by a Sergeant on the Boise Police Dept for me to contact the City Prosecutor’s office for verification. I also received an email from the Asst. Boise City Prosecutor that UTV’s with the above equipment and insurance is indeed Street Legal with the restriction on highways.

Hope to see you on the road!

Max Cole

I just bought the new plates for my atv and dirtbike. I was a little irritated that I didn’t recieve a credit for the two year atv sticker I purchased last year. Also, where do I attach the plate for my cr250 dirtbike? There is literaly no where to put it. I explained to the lady at the DMV that the motorcycle is strictly for off roaduse and that I didn’t need a license plate for it, but she assured me that I did. Seems funny to me.

jim l. johnson

If I’m not allowed to take my atv on a state highway, do I get 25 cents (road tax per gallon Idaho transportation department gets that goes to highway repairs) off? All the state highways are rated at different levels. Level 1 having the most volume of traffic which you would’nt want to be on, but the lower levels like 3,4,and 5 and with speed limits of 45 and down,let us get to our trails.

Danny McCoy

Well I went to DMV and the young gentleman said he has not had the training class on the new UTV rules yet. He stated that he did not know if I could operate my Rhino on the city streets. Who does know for sure? I give up!

Danny McCoy

After I read the information above I am still confused. It seems to say after 1/1/09 if I have my Rhino tagged properly, and setup with a mirror and horn, I CAN operate it on city streets in Boise. Just not the freeway. I spoke with the Yamaha dealer here and he said NO I cannot. Which is it? Does anyone know for sure? I guess I will have to go to DMV to find out.

Paul Streibel

The 48″ and 50″ rule needs to be ashcanned as handicapped persons cannot ride ATVs, so we are discriminating against persons with disabilities by not letting them ride the same trails as 2 wheel or ATVs, but they can ride in a utv!!! Also all agencies must get together and publish the same rules and not require the rider to visit each agency, to get a damn map, which a lot of the time is not accurate anyway!!

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